as in operative
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
the government spy risked his life every day in the fight against global terrorism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to spot
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
I spy a motel off in the distance, so let's spend the night there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spy
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
His team was able to enter some of the oldest structures on the island, including Civil War-era spaces such as the Guardhouse, one of the oldest structures on the island where Confederate spies were held in the basement during the Civil War.
—Louise McLoughlin, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Green said Russian troops had very likely spied the evacuation.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Noun
Canada provided refuge and sustenance to Confederate saboteurs and spies during our Civil War.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
His team was able to enter some of the oldest structures on the island, including Civil War-era spaces such as the Guardhouse, one of the oldest structures on the island where Confederate spies were held in the basement during the Civil War.
—Louise McLoughlin, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Verb
Amazon has spied a gap in the calendar and plans to cram it full of deals.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
Green said Russian troops had very likely spied the evacuation.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spy
Noun
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In a display of brute aggression, cartel operatives humiliated Mexican officials by forcing the government to release Mr. Guzmán López shortly after he was captured.—
Alan Feuer,
New York Times,
7 May 2025
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For five seasons, Queen Latifah has been keeping the streets safe as former CIA operative Robyn McCall on The Equalizer — but her character's story has officially concluded.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Taylor Mosley and her husband were in the car getting gas when their son, Easton, spotted a fire truck beside them.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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Travis Kelce was recently spotted dancing alongside Justin Timberlake, prompting the internet to have a few questions.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
Noun
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This solution integrates contact centers with operational systems, enabling both self-service and live agent support across channels like voice, chat, and SMS.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The team also included A.R.G.U.S. agent John Economos (Steve Agee) of the Belle Reve Penitentiary, National Security Agency agent and former Waller aide Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), and new team member Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks).—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, others supported programs eyed for cuts.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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Rumors circulated late last year about Austin Butler being eyed to play Patrick Bateman.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Want to see what else is up for grabs during Wayfair’s undercover Kelly Clarkson Home sale?—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
6 Feb. 2025
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The Confidential Rental and Leasing Office, created under former Commissioner Ray Kelly, has an important core purpose: to give investigators, including undercovers, a way to procure and use a range of vehicles that don’t automatically give them away, which standard unmarked cop cars tend to do.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
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Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Look at your skin carefully and take note of any moles, freckles, or other marks.—
Casey Gallagher,
Health,
15 Apr. 2025
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The mole is larger than 6 millimeters across Evolving: The mole's appearance changes Prevention of Skin Cancer Most cases of skin cancer are due to skin damage from UV rays.—
Casey Gallagher,
Health,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
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Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spy. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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